In Q3, airlines gained almost 3% more in baggage feesA Bureau of Transportation Statistics report shows that airlines collected almost 3% more in baggage fees during the third quarter of 2012 compared to figures for the third quarter of 2011. In total, airlines took in $924 million in baggage fees, and ticket prices were up as well. Airline profits on the whole grew nearly 55%, to $1.39 billion, during the third quarter. The Washington Post/The Associated Press
(12/17)

Qantas will close business lounges over holidaysQantas Airways will shut down its business lounges at Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Canberra airports in Australia from Dec. 26 to Jan. 6. The airline says the closures will allow it to conduct routine maintenance at the lounges. The Qantas Club and Qantas International Business Lounge will stay open. Australian Business Traveller
(12/17)

The Smarter Traveler

Premium economy appeals to cost-conscious business fliersA number of airlines -- including British Airways, American Airlines, Virgin Atlantic Airways, Delta Air Lines and Cathay Pacific Airways -- are appealing to business travelers who want business-class seat perks without a high price tag. The carriers reconfigured their seats to add a new premium-economy class, which has wider seats and more legroom in addition to other extras. The Times of India
(12/19)

How to avoid bringing bedbugs home from your next tripYou can check your hotel room for bedbugs by shining a flashlight on the headboard, nightstand and mattress, according to David Hedman, CEO of ThermaPure. If you think you may have been exposed to bedbugs on your travels, you can kill them by putting your clothing and luggage in the dryer and cranking up the heat, he advises. Forbes
(12/17)

Refuel and Refresh

Reviewer finds the finest first-class lounges on the planetFirst-class lounges are getaways in and of themselves, this writer says. At Heathrow Airport's Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse, travelers can enjoy a day spa with a Bumble & Bumble salon, while Lufthansa German Airlines' First Class Terminal at Frankfurt airport features a cigar lounge, soaking baths and luxury-car chauffeur service directly to planes. Brisbane Times (Australia)
(12/17)

Element Hotels' sustainability drive draws corporate demandStarwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide's introduction of eco-friendly amenities at its Element Hotels properties has helped boost interest in the brand from the corporate and group segments during the request-for-proposals process, says Brian McGuinness, a senior vice president with the company. "[Travel departments] are getting more educated on what they're looking for, and customers in the RFP process love the fact that we are doing green initiatives," McGuinness said. BusinessTravelNews.com
(12/18)

Spotlight on Meetings and Events from MPI

How Voice Affects Listeners

According to a study from the National University of Singapore, emotion helps us recognize words quicker and more accurately straight away. In the longer term, however, we do not remember emotionally intoned speech as accurately as neutral speech. Read more at the MPI site.

Travel Pulse

Would you share personal information with the government if it would get you through security lines more quickly?